DU VC calls quota reform activists militants

Dhaka, July 8 – Dhaka University Vice-chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman on Sunday likened the activities of the quota reform activists to that of militants.“The way the quota reformists are announcing programmes in video messages in Facebook live is similar to that of militants,” he said while talking to reporters at his office.
Mentioning that several of his colleagues showed him such a live video, the VC said, “It seemed to me that they’re making an evil attempt to spread provocation and violence through video messages from secret places like the Taliban and Boko Haram.”
Describing them as an evil force, he said he does not know whether they are politically motivated. “It’s evident from many clear incidents that a strong evil force is active. Law enforcement agencies will find it out,” he said, offering full cooperation from his office.
Another example he drew was the use of women in the movement, citing the processions brought out by the female university students on the campus in the late hours of the night, as well as forcing students to abandon their classes and examinations. “These all are the manifestation of militancy,” Akhtaruzzaman said.
He said the entire process is an attempt to create anarchy on the university campus as well as deprive the students of their educational rights.
The DU VC, however, warned that no activities that go against the university will be tolerated.
He also said evil forces from outside are trying to enter the quota reform movement. “Phone calls to protesters from London asking them to think whether the movement can be turned into a systematic agitation are the evidence of it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan on Sunday said the anti-liberation forces are hatching conspiracies in the name of quota reform movement.
“Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamat-e-Islami, initiated the movement seeking quota reform in the government job in 2004 and anti-liberation forces are conspiring in the name of quota reform movement and their main intention is to cancel the quota for freedom fighters,” he said.
He was speaking at a rally, organised by Sramik Karmachari Peshajibi Muktijoddha Samonnoy Parishad, to press home their six-point demand at Sonali Bank premises in the city’s Motijheel area.
“A list of those hatching conspiracies against the country despite doing government job will be made alongside the list of anti-liberation forces including Razakars and Al-Badars,” he said.
Those who were against the country’s independence do not want development of the country and those who came to power after the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman recruited people in government jobs as per their wish, he said.
Later, the workers’ rally led by the Shipping Minister ended at Jatiya Press Club. – UNB